Production by actual loss allocation

ABSTRACT

A method for allocating actual production loss of a wellsite. The method includes defining a data collection procedure and capturing production data according to the data collection procedure, the production data including actual production data and a maximum production potential of the wellsite. The method further includes selectively allocating a portion of the actual production data to the wellsite based on allocation rules to obtain derived production data, comparing the derived production data to the maximum production potential to determine the actual production loss for the wellsite, allocating the actual production loss to at least one of the production events, and determining a cause of the actual production loss based on an engineering analysis of the production events.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority, pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119(e), to thefiling date of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 61/016,393, entitled“System and Method for Performing Oilfield Production Operations,” filedon Dec. 21, 2007, which is hereby incorporated by reference in itsentirety.

BACKGROUND

Operations, such as surveying, drilling, wireline testing, completions,production, planning and field analysis, are typically performed tolocate and gather valuable downhole fluids. Surveys are often performedusing acquisition methodologies, such as seismic scanners or surveyorsto generate maps of underground formations. These formations are oftenanalyzed to determine the presence of subterranean assets, such asvaluable fluids or minerals, or to determine if the formations havecharacteristics suitable for storing fluids.

During drilling and production operations, data is typically collectedfor analysis and/or monitoring of the operations. Such data may include,for instance, information regarding subterranean formations, equipment,and historical and/or other data.

Data concerning the subterranean formation is collected using a varietyof sources. Such formation data may be static or dynamic. Static datarelates to, for instance, formation structure and geologicalstratigraphy that define geological structures of the subterraneanformation. Dynamic data relates to, for instance, fluids flowing throughthe geologic structures of the subterranean formation over time. Suchstatic and/or dynamic data may be collected to learn more about theformations and the valuable assets contained therein.

Various equipment may be positioned about the field to monitor fieldparameters, to manipulate the operations and/or to separate and directfluids from the wells. Surface equipment and completion equipment mayalso be used to inject fluids into reservoirs, either for storage or atstrategic points to enhance production of the reservoir.

SUMMARY

In one or more implementations of allocating actual production loss of awellsite, the method includes defining a data collection procedure andcapturing production data according to the data collection procedure,the production data including actual production data and a maximumproduction potential of the wellsite. The method further includesselectively allocating a portion of the actual production data to thewellsite based on allocation rules to obtain derived production data,comparing the derived production data to the maximum productionpotential to determine the actual production loss for the wellsite,allocating the actual production loss to at least one of the productionevents, and determining a cause of the actual production loss based onan engineering analysis of the production events

Other aspects of improving production by actual loss allocation will beapparent from the following description and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

So that the above described features and advantages of subterraneanformation properties prediction can be understood in detail, a moreparticular description of subterranean formation properties prediction,briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to the embodimentsthereof that are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to benoted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typicalembodiments and are therefore not to be considered limiting of itsscope, for subterranean formation properties prediction may admit toother equally effective embodiments.

FIG. 1 depicts a simplified, schematic view of a field havingsubterranean formations containing reservoirs therein, the variousoperations being performed on the field.

FIG. 2 is a graphical depiction of data collected by the tools of FIG.1.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view, partially in cross section of a field havinga plurality of data acquisition tools positioned at various locationsalong the field for collecting data from the subterranean formations.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic view of a field having a plurality of wellsitesfor producing fluids from the subterranean formation.

FIG. 5 shows a schematic diagram of a portion of the field of FIG. 4depicting a simulation operation.

FIG. 6 shows a schematic diagram of one or more embodiments of a systemfor performing a production operation using a data management tool.

FIGS. 7.1-7.2 show schematic diagrams of one or more embodiments of thedata management tool of FIG. 6.

FIGS. 8-9 show flow charts depicting one or more embodiments of methodsfor performing an operation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Presently embodiments of improving production by actual loss allocationare shown in the above-identified figures and described in detail below.In describing the embodiments, like or identical reference numerals areused to identify common or similar elements. The figures are notnecessarily to scale and certain features and certain views of thefigures may be shown exaggerated in scale or in schematic in theinterest of clarity and conciseness.

FIG. 1 depicts a simplified, representative, schematic view of a field100 having subterranean formation 102 containing reservoir 104 thereinand depicting a production operation being performed on the field 100.More specifically, FIG. 1 depicts a production operation being performedby a production tool 106.4 deployed from a production unit or christmastree 129 and into a completed wellbore 136 for drawing fluid from thedownhole reservoirs into the surface facilities 142. Fluid flows fromreservoir 104 through perforations in the casing (not shown) and intothe production tool 106.4 in the wellbore 136 and to the surfacefacilities 142 via a gathering network 146.

Sensors (S), such as gauges, may be positioned about the field tocollect data relating to various field operations as describedpreviously The data gathered by the sensors (S) may be collected by thesurface unit 134 and/or other data collection sources for analysis orother processing. The data collected by the sensors (S) may be usedalone or in combination with other data. The data may be collected inone or more databases and/or all or transmitted on or offsite. All orselect portions of the data may be selectively used for analyzing and/orpredicting operations of the current and/or other wellbores. The datamay be may be historical data, real time data or combinations thereof.The real time data may be used in real time, or stored for later use.The data may also be combined with historical data or other inputs forfurther analysis. The data may be stored in separate databases, orcombined into a single database.

Data outputs from the various sensors (S) positioned about the field maybe processed for use. The data may be historical data, real time data,or combinations thereof. The real time data may be used in real time, orstored for later use. The data may also be combined with historical dataor other inputs for further analysis. The data may be housed in separatedatabases, or combined into a single database.

The collected data may be used to perform analysis, such as modelingoperations. For instance, the seismic data output may be used to performgeological, geophysical, and/or reservoir engineering. The reservoir,wellbore, surface and/or process data may be used to perform reservoir,wellbore, geological, geophysical or other simulations. The data outputsfrom the operation may be generated directly from the sensors (S), orafter some preprocessing or modeling. These data outputs may act asinputs for further analysis.

The data is collected and stored at the surface unit 134. One or moresurface units 134 may be located at the field 100, or connected remotelythereto. The surface unit 134 may be a single unit, or a complex networkof units used to perform the necessary data management functionsthroughout the field 100. The surface unit 134 may be a manual orautomatic system. The surface unit 134 may be operated and/or adjustedby a user.

The surface unit 134 may be provided with a transceiver 137 to allowcommunications between the surface unit 134 and various portions of thefield 100 or other locations. The surface unit 134 may also be providedwith or functionally connected to one or more controllers for actuatingmechanisms at the field 100. The surface unit 134 may then send commandsignals to the field 100 in response to data received. The surface unit134 may receive commands via the transceiver or may itself executecommands to the controller. A processor may be provided to analyze thedata (locally or remotely) and make the decisions and/or actuate thecontroller. In this manner, the field 100 may be selectively adjustedbased on the data collected. This technique may be used to optimizeportions of the operation, such as controlling wellhead pressure, chokesize or other operating parameters. These adjustments may be madeautomatically based on computer protocol, and/or manually by anoperator. In some cases, well plans may be adjusted to select optimumoperating conditions, or to avoid problems.

As shown, the sensor (S) may be positioned in the production tool 106.4or associated equipment, such as the christmas tree, gathering network,surface facilities and/or the production facility, to measure fluidparameters, such as fluid composition, flow rates, pressures,temperatures, and/or other parameters of the production operation.

While FIG. 1 depicts tools used to measure properties of a field 100, itwill be appreciated that the tools may be used in connection withnon-wellsite operations, such as mines, aquifers, storage or othersubterranean facilities. Also, while certain data acquisition tools aredepicted, it will be appreciated that various measurement tools capableof sensing parameters, such as seismic two-way travel time, density,resistivity, production rate, etc., of the subterranean formation and/orits geological formations may be used. Various sensors (S) may belocated at various positions along the wellbore and/or the monitoringtools to collect and/or monitor the desired data. Other sources of datamay also be provided from offsite locations.

The field configuration in FIG. 1 is intended to provide a briefdescription of a field usable for improving production by actual lossallocation. Part, or all, of the field 100 may be on land, sea and/orwater. Production may also include injection wells (not shown) for addedrecovery. One or more gathering facilities may be operatively connectedto one or more of the wellsites for selectively collecting downholefluids from the wellsite(s). Also, while a single field measured at asingle location is depicted, improving production by actual lossallocation may be utilized with any combination of one or more fields100, one or more processing facilities and one or more wellsites.

FIG. 2 is a graphical depiction of data collected by the tools ofFIG. 1. FIG. 2 depicts a production decline curve or graph 206 of fluidflowing through the subterranean formation of FIG. 1 measured at thesurface facilities 142. The production decline curve 206 typicallyprovides the production rate (Q) as a function of time (t).

The respective graphs of FIG. 2 depict static measurements that maydescribe information about the physical characteristics of the formationand reservoirs contained therein. These measurements may be analyzed tobetter define the properties of the formation(s) and/or determine theaccuracy of the measurements and/or for checking for errors. The plotsof each of the respective measurements may be aligned and scaled forcomparison and verification of the properties.

FIG. 2 depicts a dynamic measurement of the fluid properties through thewellbore. As the fluid flows through the wellbore, measurements aretaken of fluid properties, such as flow rates, pressures, composition,etc. As described, below, the static and dynamic measurements may beanalyzed and used to generate models of the subterranean formation todetermine characteristics thereof. Similar measurements may also be usedto measure changes in formation aspects over time.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view, partially in cross section of a field 300having data acquisition tools 302.1, 302.2, 302.3, and 302.4 positionedat various locations along the field for collecting data of asubterranean formation 304. The data acquisition tool 302.4 may be thesame as data acquisition tool (106.4 of FIG. 1), respectively, or othersnot depicted. As shown, the data acquisition tools 302.1-302.4 generatedata plots or measurements (308.1-308.4), respectively. These data plotsare depicted along the field to demonstrate the data generated byvarious operations.

Data plots 308.1-308.3 are static data plots that may be generated bythe data acquisition tools 302.1-302.4, respectively. Static data plot308.1 is a seismic two-way response time. Static plot 308.2 is coresample data measured from a core sample of the formation 304. Staticdata plot 308.3 is a logging trace. Production decline curve or graph308.4 is a dynamic data plot of the fluid flow rate over time, similarto the graph 206 of FIG. 2. Other data may also be collected, such ashistorical data, user inputs, economic information, and/or othermeasurement data and other parameters of interest.

The subterranean formation 304 has a plurality of geological formations306.1-306.4. As shown, the structure has several formations or layers,including a shale layer 306.1, a carbonate layer 306.2, a shale layer306.3 and a sand layer 306.4. A fault line 307 extends through thelayers 306.1-306.2. The static data acquisition tools are adapted totake measurements and detect the characteristics of the formations.

While a specific subterranean formation 304 with specific geologicalstructures are depicted, it will be appreciated that the field maycontain a variety of geological structures and/or formations, sometimeshaving extreme complexity. In some locations, typically below the waterline, fluid may occupy pore spaces of the formations. Each of themeasurement devices may be used to measure properties of the formationsand/or its geological features. While each acquisition tool is shown asbeing in specific locations in the field, it will be appreciated thatone or more types of measurement may be taken at one or more locationacross one or more fields or other locations for comparison and/oranalysis.

The data collected from various sources, such as the data acquisitiontools of FIG. 3, may then be processed and/or evaluated. Typically,seismic data displayed in the static data plot 308.1 from the dataacquisition tool 302.1 is used by a geophysicist to determinecharacteristics of the subterranean formations 304 and features. Coredata shown in static plot 308.2 and/or log data from the well log 308.3is typically used by a geologist to determine various characteristics ofthe subterranean formation 304. Production data from the graph 308.4 istypically used by the reservoir engineer to determine fluid flowreservoir characteristics. The data analyzed by the geologist,geophysicist and the reservoir engineer may be analyzed using modelingtechniques. Modeling techniques are described inApplication/Publication/U.S. Pat. No. 5,992,519, WO2004/049216,WO1999/064896, U.S. Pat. No. 6,313,837, US2003/0216897, U.S. Pat. No.7,248,259, US2005/0149307 and US2006/0197759. Systems for performingsuch modeling techniques are described, for instance, in U.S. Pat. No.7,248,259, the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated byreference.

FIG. 4 shows a field 400 for performing production operations. As shown,the field has a plurality of wellsites 402 operatively connected to acentral processing facility 454. The field configuration of FIG. 4 isnot intended to limit improving production by actual loss allocation.Part or all of the field may be on land and/or sea. Also, while a singlefield with a single processing facility and a plurality of wellsites isdepicted, any combination of one or more fields, one or more processingfacilities and one or more wellsites may be present.

Each wellsite 402 has equipment that forms a wellbore 436 into theearth. The wellbores extend through subterranean formations 406including reservoirs 404. These reservoirs 404 contain fluids, such ashydrocarbons. The wellsites draw fluid from the reservoirs and pass themto the processing facilities via surface networks 444. The surfacenetworks 444 have tubing and control mechanisms for controlling the flowof fluids from the wellsite to the processing facility 454.

FIG. 5 shows a schematic view of a portion (or region) of the field 400of FIG. 4, depicting a producing wellsite 402 and surface network 444 indetail. The wellsite 402 of FIG. 5 has a wellbore 436 extending into theearth therebelow. As shown, the wellbores 436 has already been drilled,completed, and prepared for production from reservoir 404.

Wellbore production equipment 564 extends from a wellhead 566 ofwellsite 402 and to the reservoir 404 to draw fluid to the surface. Thewellsite 402 is operatively connected to the surface network 444 via atransport line 561. Fluid flows from the reservoir 404, through thewellbore 436, and onto the surface network 444. The fluid then flowsfrom the surface network 444 to the process facilities 454.

As further shown in FIG. 5, sensors (S) are located about the field 400to monitor various parameters during operations. The sensors (S) maymeasure, for instance, pressure, temperature, flow rate, composition,and other parameters of the reservoir, wellbore, surface network,process facilities and/or other portions (or regions) of the operation.These sensors (S) are operatively connected to a surface unit 534 forcollecting data therefrom. The surface unit may be, for instance,similar to the surface unit 134 of FIG. 1.

One or more surface units 534 may be located at the field 400, or linkedremotely thereto. The surface unit 534 may be a single unit, or acomplex network of units used to perform the necessary data managementfunctions throughout the field 400. The surface unit may be a manual orautomatic system. The surface unit may be operated and/or adjusted by auser. The surface unit is adapted to receive and store data. The surfaceunit may also be equipped to communicate with various field equipment.The surface unit may then send command signals to the field in responseto data received or modeling performed.

As shown in FIG. 5, the surface unit 534 has computer facilities, suchas memory 520, controller 522, processor 524, and display unit 526, formanaging the data. The data is collected in memory 520, and processed bythe processor 524 for analysis. Data may be collected from the fieldsensors (S) and/or by other sources. For instance, production data maybe supplemented by historical data collected from other operations, oruser inputs.

The analyzed data (e.g., based on modeling performed) may then be usedto make decisions. A transceiver (not shown) may be provided to allowcommunications between the surface unit 534 and the field 400. Thecontroller 522 may be used to actuate mechanisms at the field 400 viathe transceiver and based on these decisions. In this manner, the field400 may be selectively adjusted based on the data collected. Theseadjustments may be made automatically based on computer protocol and/ormanually by an operator, in some cases, well plans are adjusted toselect optimum operating conditions or to avoid problems.

To facilitate the processing and analysis of data, simulators may beused to process the data for modeling various aspects of the operation.Specific simulators are often used in connection with specificoperations, such as reservoir or wellbore simulation. Data fed into thesimulator(s) may be historical data, real time data or combinationsthereof. Simulation through one or more of the simulators may berepeated or adjusted based on the data received.

As shown, the operation is provided with wellsite and non-wellsitesimulators. The wellsite simulators may include a reservoir simulator340, a wellbore simulator 342, and a surface network simulator 344. Thereservoir simulator 340 solves for hydrocarbon flow through thereservoir rock and into the wellbores. The wellbore simulator 342 andsurface network simulator 344 solves for hydrocarbon flow through thewellbore and the surface network 444 of pipelines. As shown, some of thesimulators may be separate or combined, depending on the availablesystems.

The non-wellsite simulators may include process 346 and economics 348simulators. The processing unit has a process simulator 346. The processsimulator 346 models the processing plant (e.g., the process facilities454) where the hydrocarbon(s) is/are separated into its constituentcomponents (e.g., methane, ethane, propane, etc) and prepared for sales.The field 400 is provided with an economics simulator 348. The economicssimulator 348 models the costs of part or the entire field 400throughout a portion or the entire duration of the operation. Variouscombinations of these and other field simulators may be provided.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a system 600 for performing a productionoperation. As shown, the system 600 includes a data management tool 602operatively connected to one or more servers 612, a data interfacemodule 614, an application framework 620, and integrated asset tool 606,and a reporting tool 610.

The server(s) 612 may be used to transfer data from one or morewellsite(s) 618 to the data management tool 602. The server(s) 612 mayinclude onsite servers, a remote server, and/or a third-party server. Anonsite server may be positioned at the wellsite and/or other adjacentlocations for distributing data from a surface unit. The surface unitmay be the same surface unit as shown and described in relation to FIGS.1 and 5. The remote server is positioned at a location away from thefield and provides data from remote sources. The third-party server maybe onsite or remote, but is operated by a third-party, such as acustomer/client. In some cases, the data management tool 602 maycommunicate data to the surface unit for adjusting an operation of thewellsite.

The wellsite(s) 618 may provide data measured by the sensors (S) of thewellsite as described with respect to FIG. 1. This data may also be datareceived from other sources at the wellsite. The data may also be storedon a computer readable medium such as a compact disk, DVD, opticalmedia, volatile storage, non-volatile storage, or any other mediumconfigured to store the data.

The server(s) 612 are capable of transferring operations data (e.g.,logs), production data, measurements, and/or other field data (e.g.,seismic data, historical data, economics data, or other data that may beof use during analysis). The type of server is not intended to limit thesystem 600. The system 600 is adapted to function with any type ofserver or computer system that may be employed.

The server(s) 612 collect a wide variety of data. The data may becollected from a variety of channels that provide a certain type ofdata, such as well logs. The data from the server(s) 612 is passed tothe data management tool 602 for processing. The server(s) 612 may alsobe used to store and/or transfer data.

In some cases, the data management tool 602 and/or server(s) 612 may bepositioned at the wellsite. The data management tool 602 and/orserver(s) 612 may also be positioned at various locations. The datamanagement tool 602 may be operatively linked to the surface unit viathe server(s) 612. The data management tool 602 may also be included inor located near the surface unit.

The data management tool 602 includes one or more of the followingmodules: an allocation module 604, a loss reconciliation module 607, adata repository 608, a user interface module 603, and an opportunitymodule.

The data management tool 602 may use the data interface module 614 tocommunicate with other components, such as the server(s) 612. The datainterface module 614 may also permit communication with other field ornon-field sources.

As depicted in FIG. 6, the data interface module 614 selects the datachannel of the server(s) 612 and receives the data. The data interfacemodule 614 also maps the data channels to data from the wellsite(s) 618.The data interface module 614 may also receive data from a data file(i.e., an extensible markup language (XML) file, a database file, acomma separated file (CSV), or some other data file format). The datamay then be passed to the data management tool 602. The data may beimmediately incorporated into the data repository 608 for real-timesessions or modeling.

In some eases, the data interface module 614 may receive data from fieldoperations data sources 616. Field operations data sources 616 mayinclude data collected by field operators while at a site (e.g.,wellsite, facility, etc.). For instance, field operators may collectfield data using mobile devices where the data is then imported into thedata management tool 602 using the data interface module 614. In somecases the server(s) 612, the data interface module 614, and the fieldoperations data source(s) 616 may be referred to as data acquisitiontools.

The user interface module 603 creates data requests (e.g., pressure,temperature, volume, etc.), displays the user interface, and handlesconnection state events. The user interface module 603 also instantiatesthe data into a data object for processing. The user interface module603 may receive a request at the surface unit to retrieve data from theserver(s) 612, the well unit, and/or data files. The user interfacemodule 603 may allow a user to select a plurality of parameters to beused in a data acquisition model. The parameters of the data acquisitionmodel may describe field data to be retrieved from the server(s) 612and/or the wellsite(s) 618. More specifically, the parameters maycorrespond to daily measurements (e.g., pressure, temperature, volume,etc.) obtained from the wellsite(s) 618.

In some cases, the user interface module 603 may also providefunctionality to define a unit system in the data acquisition model. Forinstance, the data acquisition model may include custom unit systemsbased on industry standard conversions for metric and imperial units.Further, the user interface module 603 may allow users to customizepreferences for unit conversions.

The user interface module 603 may also allow a user to define a datacollection procedure for the data acquisition model. For instance, thedata collection procedure may define connections between wellsites,facilities, and/or operation's equipment. The data collection may alsodefine: validation rules for field data retrieved from the server(s)612; field models for wellsites, facilities, and/or equipment (e.g.,define meters, define documentation requirements, define well estimationmethod, etc.); an allocation network model; and/or various otheruser-defined configurations. In some cases, the data collectionprocedure may include a schedule for executing automated field data(e.g., Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) data, datahistorian data, DECIDE! Data, etc.) collection activities to capture andload data into the operation data store including intraday data.

In some cases, the data collection procedure may be customized to allowthe capture of intraday data. For instance, a user may specify that thedata collection procedure collect intraday data based on a schedule oron demand as required by the user. The user may configure the datacollection procedure to collect data on a daily basis or an intradaybasis based on the requirements of the wellsite. For instance, the usermay configure the data collection procedure to collect intraday data fora period of time after a significant occurrence in the operation of afield (e.g., drastic change in production, pressure, etc.). Further, theuser may then configure the data collection procedure to collect data ona daily basis after the significant occurrence has been addressed.

Intraday data may be aggregated by a user-selected rule to a daily value(e.g., the last value entered, the first value entered, an average ofthe values entered, etc.). Production data may have associated intradayvalues. Further, intraday values can be captured for sites and equipment(e.g., meters, tanks, etc.) on standard variables, user-defined datapoints, and custom entity variables. In some cases, users may select andedit multiple intraday variables for viewing simultaneously. Inaddition, users may also enter intraday text fields to capture wellstates during the day.

In some cases, the user interface module 603 may provide functionalityto create specialized meters to be used in a data collection procedure.For instance, these specialized meters can record the measurement ofmultiphase, wet gas and unstabilized emulsions using pressuredifferential, direct volumetric, and mass instruments. In this example,the results obtained from the advanced meter may be a dry gas volume, anoil volume, a condensate volume, or a water volume. Further, the userinterface module 603 may include functionality for all users to createcustom calculations across wellsites using either the graphical derivedmeter expression builder or link a custom computation procedures (e.g.,a PL/SQL or a C++, C# procedure) to extend the meter calculations.Derived meters may output volume or mass and may utilize user definedvariables in their calculations.

The user interface module 603 may also allow the user to configure andmanage users within the data management tool 602. More specifically, theuser interface module 603 may provide functionality to define userroles, assign system rights, and assign users to each role. Forinstance, a user may be associated with a corporate network (e.g.,Active Directory, Lightweight Directory Access Protocol LDAP service,etc.) for user validation and/or authentication. In another example, thedata management tool may be configured to log off inactive usersautomatically for improved security and management of concurrentlicenses.

In some cases, the user interface module 603 may also providefunctionally to define a user role's access to the reporting tool 610.For instance, a user may be allowed to run reports but prevented frommodifying reports. In another example, a user may be allowed to modifyreports created by the user; however, the user's access to reportscreated by other users would be restricted. In another example, publicreports may be provided that are accessible to all users but can only bemodified by an administrator.

The data repository 608 may store the data for the data management tool602. For instance, the user interface module 603 may be configured tostore data related to the data acquisition model and/or the datacollection procedure in the data repository 608. The data may be storedin a format available for use in real-time (e.g., information is updatedat approximately the same rate the information is received). The datamay be persisted in the file system (e.g., an XML file) or in adatabase. The system 600 may determine which storage is the mostappropriate to use for a given piece of data and store the data in amanner to enable automatic flow of the data through the rest of thesystem in an automated and integrated fashion. The system 600 may alsofacilitate manual and automated workflows (e.g., Modeling, ProductionOperations and Allocation workflows, etc.) based upon the persisteddata.

The user interface module 603 may provide functionality for capturingthe production data in the data acquisition model based on the datacollection procedure. More specifically, the user interface module 603may be configured to retrieve production data as defined in parametersof the data acquisition model based on rules defined in the datacollection procedure. For instance, the user interface module 603 mayobtain actual production data from server(s) 612 using a connectiondefined in the data collection procedure. The actual production data maybe the recorded production of a wellsite or field during a productionperiod. Further, the actual production data may be obtained from theserver(s) 612 based on a schedule (e.g., daily, weekly, monthly,quarterly, etc.) defined by the user. In another example, the userinterface module 603 may be configured to receive production datamanually entered by a user as parameters defined in the data acquisitionmodel.

In some cases, the data management tool 602 may be configured tointeract with external application(s) 622 to obtain production datamanually entered by a user. For instance, the data management tool 602may include an application framework 620 accessible by externalapplication(s) 622. Further, in some cases, the application framework620 may also be configured to interact with a variety of external fieldapplications (e.g., PIPESIM module, HYSYS module, simulation modules,production modules, etc.).

The user interface module 603 may be configured to collect multiple setsof data based on a number of data collection procedures. For instance,the user interface module 603 may be configured to collect actualproduction data based on a production data collection procedure andownership data based on an ownership data collection procedure.

Continuing with the discussion of FIG. 6, the user interface module 603may be further configured to obtain events associated with a wellsiteduring a production period. The events may be automatically recorded andstored in the server(s) 612 during the production period. Morespecifically, field data associated with an unexpected alteration may betracked into order to obtain events for a wellsite. In another example,a user may manually enter the events associated with a wellsite usingthe user interface module 603. An event may be a significant occurrencein the operation of a field. Examples of significant occurrencesinclude, but are not limited to: changes in the level of production,providing a measurement (e.g., pressure, temperature, volume, etc.), ora confirmed difficulty in the operation of the field (e.g., poweroutage, force of nature, mechanical failure, etc.). In another example,an event may be an occurrence that unexpectedly alters measurementsassociated with a component of the wellsite.

The integrated asset tool 606 may be configured to generate anintegrated asset model based on the production data. The integratedasset model may selectively link components (e.g., wellbore, reservoir,gathering facility, processing facility) of a wellsite. For instance,the integrated asset model may model the various components of awellsite such that choke points (e.g., reservoir, wellbore, surfacenetwork, process facility, government regulator, product market, etc.)may be identified at the wellsite. In this example, a wellsite's maximumproduction potential may be determined based on the choke pointsidentified at the wellsite. In some cases, the integrated asset tool 606may include simulators as described in FIG. 5. Systems for performingsuch simulation techniques are described, for instance, in patentapplication Ser. No. 11/929,811, the entire contents of which is herebyincorporated by reference. The simulators may be configured to performsimulations using the field data collected by the user interface module603.

The allocation module 604 may provide functionality to determine theestimated production of a wellsite during a production period. Forinstance, a wellsite's estimated production may be determined based onwell tests and measured flowing tubing pressure. In another example, theestimated production for the field may be determined based on actualfield measurements. The allocation module 604 may further be configuredto allocate actual production data to a wellsite based on the wellsite'sestimated production. For instance, a portion of actual production dataof a field may be allocated to a wellsite based on the proportion of thewellsite's estimated production as compared to the field's estimatedproduction. The allocation module may proportion the production orinjection by liquids or gases in totality or by components and as mass,energy, or volume units. Further, the estimated proportion of wellsitesof a field may be adjusted for other sources (e.g., gas injection, loadoil, etc.) and other uses (e.g., flare, lease use, etc.). The actualproduction data allocated to a wellsite may be referred to as thewellsite's derived production.

The allocation module 604 may also provide a network visualization tool.The network visualization tool displays all the sites within a selectedallocation network and all connections between sites within the regionsfor the current application date. The allocation network may defineprocedures for allocating actual product data to wellsites of a field.Further, the network visualization tool may allow users to addconnections to the allocation network. In response to modifications ofthe wellsite, the allocation network may be automatically updated suchthat daily allocations utilize the most current field setup andconfiguration data as the basis for daily and monthly allocations.

In some cases, the allocation module 604 may be external to the datamanagement tool. For instance, the data management tool may interactwith an external allocation tool to estimate production of the wellsiteduring a production period.

The loss reconciliation module 607 provides functionality to calculatethe actual production loss at a wellsite. More specifically, the actualproduction loss may be calculated as the difference between the maximumproduction potential and the actual production determined by theallocation module 604. The loss reconciliation module 607 may be furtherconfigured to allocate the actual production loss to events defined bythe user interface module 603 during the production period.

The opportunity module 609 provides functionality to generate actionplans based on production data associated with a wellsite. Morespecifically, the opportunity module may be configured to generate anaction plan based on the actual production loss allocated to events ofthe wellsite. In this case, the opportunity module may perform acost-benefit analysis for improving the production of the wellsite usingthe action plan. The action plan may also include implementation actionsfor implementing the action plan at the wellsite.

The reporting tool 610 may be configured to present (e.g., display,store, etc.) production data associated with a wellsite as output. Morespecifically, the reporting tool 610 may be configured to present theallocation of actual production data to wellsites in a field. Thereporting tool 610 may further be configured to present the allocationof actual production losses to the events of a wellsite. In this case,the reporting tool 610 may include historic loss data to be compared tothe allocation of the actual production loss. Historic loss data mayinclude causes of the actual production loss categorized in the eventsof the wellsite. For instance, when a cause of an actual production lossis analyzed, the cause may be stored as historic loss data.

The reporting tool 610 may be configured to use custom or third-partyreporting tools (e.g., CRYSTAL REPORTS®, SQL SERVER® Reporting Services,etc.) and/or to present output in a variety of formats (e.g.,spreadsheets from spreadsheet applications such as EXCEL® or LOTUS1-2-3®, ad hoc reporting, third-party reporting formats such as portabledocument format or hypertext markup language, etc.). Further, thereporting tool 610 may be configured to accept a variety of userconfigurations (e.g., type of report, target wellsites, date range forthe report, recipients of the report, etc.) for a report. CRYSTALREPORTS® is a registered trademark of Business Objects in San Jose,Calif. SQL SERVER° is a registered trademark of Microsoft, Inc. inRedmond, Wash. EXCEL° is a registered trademark of Microsoft, Inc. inRedmond, Wash. LOTUS 1-2-3° is a registered trademark of Lotus Softwarein Westford, Mass.

The reporting tool 610 may provide functionality to link a number ofreports to run consecutively. In addition, the reporting tool 610 mayprovide an application framework that allows reports to be scheduled byexternal applications.

FIG. 7.1 is a schematic view of a field application for performing anoperation in one or more embodiments of the invention. As shown, theschematic view depicts portions of the workflow as being performed bythe data management tool 701. The data management tool 701 may providesubstantially the same functionality as the data management tool 602 ofFIG. 6. Further, as shown, the schematic view depicts portions of theworkflow as being performed by a loss reconciliation module 703. Theloss reconciliation module 703 may provide substantially the samefunctionality as the loss reconciliation module 607 of FIG. 6.

Data may be acquired from a variety of sources. More specifically, fielddata acquisition may occur (block 702). Further, field operations dataacquisition may occur (block 704). A well test may then be performedusing a portion of the acquired data, flowing tubing pressure, todetermine an estimated production of a wellsite (block 706).

Next, a portion of the acquired data, actual production data, may beallocated to the wellsite (block 716) based on the estimated productionof the wellsite to determine the actual production of the wellsite(block 718).

A well test may also be performed to generate an integrated asset modelbased a portion of the acquired data (block 710). The integrated assetmodel may define a number of choke points of the field. Based on thesechoke points, a maximum production potential may be determined (block712).

The actual production loss of the wellsite may be determined bycomparing the maximum production potential to the actual production ofthe wellsite. Loss events may be captured from the wellsite (block 720).Typically, a loss event is a significant occurrence (e.g., mechanicalfailure, force of nature, etc.) at the well site.

At this stage, the actual production loss of the wellsite may bereconciled to the events based on the duration, the production, and theflow rate impact percentage of each of the events (block 714).Optionally, the reconciled loss may be overwritten for a measured lossor an estimated loss based on experience or an observation. In thiscase, based on the maximum production potential, the actual productionlosses may be prorated for a group of wells impacted by a singular eventbased on the total loss reconciled to the event. After reconciling theloss, a user may intervene to specify a cause of the actual productionloss based on the loss reconciliation (block 722). Next, the lossreconciliation data may be presented as output.

The method in FIG. 7.1 are depicted in a specific order as may be theease in one or more embodiments. However, it will be appreciated thatportions of the method may be performed simultaneously or in a differentorder or sequence.

FIG. 7.2 is a schematic view of a data management tool 750 for managingfield data. The data management tool 750 may provide substantially thesame functionality as the data management tool 602 described in FIG. 6.As shown, the data management tool 750 includes a data capture component752 and a data allocation component 754.

The data capture component 752 includes a number of components foracquiring field data. As shown, the data capture component 752 includesa data entry component 754, a facility setup component 760, amulti-facility component 766, a performance variable component 770, areporting/graphing component 768, and a configuration component 772. Thedata capture component 752 may configure and perform data collectionfunctionality using data acquisition models and data collectionprocedures as described in FIG. 6.

The data entry component 754 may allow a user to enter data in thesystem. More specifically, the data entry component 754 may include anevents component 756 for defining events at wellsite. Further, the dataentry component 754 may include a fluid analyses component 758 fortracking fluid samples collected in the field and any laboratoryanalyses performed on the collected samples.

The facility setup component 760 may allow a user to define informationassociated with a facility 760. More specifically, the facility setupcomponent 760 may provide functionality for creating and integrating newfacilities into existing data acquisition models. Further, the facilitysetup component 760 may include an equipment component 762 for creatingand integrating equipment into existing data acquisition models. Thefacility setup 760 may also include a connections module 764 fordefining and managing connections between well sites and facilities.

The multi-facility component 766 provides functionality for managingoil, gas, and injection wells simultaneously.

The performance variable component 770 may allow a user to create daily,weekly, monthly, or yearly key performance indicators (KPI) targets forany measurement at any level and use the KPI targets to reportproduction variances.

The capture configuration component 772 may allow a user to configureaspects of the data capture component 752. For instance, theconfiguration component 772 may include a user defined data component774 for defining custom calculations. The custom calculations may beattached to a user defined data point and linked into the automaticcalculation cycle of a wellsite. In another example, the configurationcomponent 772 may include a fluid analysis configuration component 776for configuring settings to be used by the fluid analyses component 758.In another example, the configuration component 772 may include acapture security component 778 for defining security settings in thedata capture process. More specifically, the capture security component778 may provide functionality for defining and managing user roles inthe data capture process.

The data capture component 780 includes a number of components forallocating production data. As shown, the data allocation component 780includes a networks component 782, an allocation masters component 784,a report masters component 786, a configuration component 788, a salesdata component 790, an allocation tasks component 792, a report taskscomponent 794, and an allocation security component 772. The dataallocation component 752 may configure and perform data allocationprocedures as described in FIG. 6.

The network component 782 may provide functionality for definingallocation networks. Further, the network component 782 may allow a userto modify a network using a network visualization tool.

The allocation masters component 784 may allow a user to defineallocation masters, which are used to create allocation tasks.Allocation tasks may be performed by the allocation tasks component 792.The allocation task component 792 may also allow adjustments topreviously generated results and store the original and adjustedresults.

The report masters component 784 may allow a user to define reportmasters, which are used to create report tasks. Report tasks may beperformed by the report tasks component 792.

The allocation configuration component 788 may allow a user to configureaspects of the data allocation component 780.

The sales data component 790 may provide functionality for allocatingsales data.

The allocation security component 796 may provide functionality fordefining security settings in the data allocation process. Morespecifically, the allocation security component 796 may providefunctionality for defining and managing user roles in the dataallocation process.

FIG. 8 shows a flow chart depicting a method for allocating productiondata to a wellsite in one or more embodiments of the invention. Themethod may be performed using, for instance, the system of FIG. 6. Themethod may involve selecting a plurality of parameters for a dataacquisition model (block 802), defining a data collection procedure forthe data acquisition model (block 804), capturing production data in thedata acquisition model based on the data collection procedure (block806), and selectively allocating the production data to the wellsitebased on allocation rules to obtain derived production data (block 808),generating an action plan for adjusting an operation based on thederived production data (block 810).

A plurality of parameters may be selected for a data acquisition model(block 802). For instance, a user may select daily measurements (e.g.,pressure, temperature, volume, etc.) of a wellsite as parameters for thedata acquisition model.

Next, the data collection procedure for the data acquisition model maybe defined (block 804). More specifically, a user may specify sourcesand connections for obtaining the parameters defined in the dataacquisition model. For instance, the sources may be server(s) asdescribed in FIG. 6. In another example, production data may betransmitted to the data repository (608 of FIG. 6) via the datainterface module (614 of FIG. 6). Further, the user may specify aschedule for automatically obtaining the parameters defined in the dataacquisition model.

In some cases, multiple connections associated with the wellsite may beselectively included in the data collection procedure. In this case,each connection may be configured to collect production data associatedwith a particular component of the wellsite. Further, the user mayspecify an active connection of the multiple connections for obtainingproduction data from the wellsite. For instance, the user may bepresented with a connection schematic to assist in the selection of theactive connection. The user may also specify estimation methods for eachof the connections for determining the estimated production of thewellsite associated with the connection.

Continuing with the discussion of FIG. 8, production data may becaptured (block 806) from a variety of sources. As discussed withrespect to FIGS. 1 and 6, production data may be generated by sensors(S) at the wellsite or from other sources. The production data may betransferred directly to the data management tool (602 of FIG. 6), ortransferred to the data management tool via one or more of the server(s)(612 of FIG. 6). The production data, is then generally received by theinterface module of the data management tool. In some cases, theproduction data may include actual production data associated with afield.

Next, the production data may be allocated to the wellsite based onallocation rules (block 808). For instance, allocation rules may specifythat a field's actual production data should be allocated to a wellsitebased on the proportion of the field's estimated production that isassociated with the wellsite. In this case, the allocated portion of theactual production data may be referred to as the derived production dataof the wellsite.

Next, an action plan may be generated for adjusting operations at one ofthe wellsites based on the derived production data (block 810). Further,the derived production data may be presented as output to the user. Forinstance, output showing the distribution of actual production dataamong a number of wellsites in a field may be displayed and/or stored.

The method in FIG. 8 are depicted in a specific order. However, it willbe appreciated that portions of the method may be performedsimultaneously or in a different order or sequence.

FIG. 9 shows a flow chart depicting a method for loss reconciliation ofa wellsite in one or more embodiments. The method may be performedusing, for instance, the system of FIG. 6. The method may involvedefining a data collection procedure including a plurality of events(block 902), capturing production data based on the data collectionprocedure (block 904), allocating production data to the wellsite basedon allocation rules to obtain derived production data (block 906),comparing derived production data to maximum production potentials todetermine an actual production loss (block 908), analyzing the actualproduction loss to determine a cause of the actual production loss(block 910), and adjusting an operation based on the cause of the actualproduction loss (block 912).

The data collection procedure for the data acquisition model may bedefined (block 902). More specifically, a user may specify sources andconnections for obtaining production data. For instance, the sources maybe server(s) as described in FIG. 6. In another example, production datamay be transmitted to a data repository (608 of FIG. 6) via a datainterface module (614 of FIG. 6). Further, the user may specify aschedule for automatically obtaining the production data.

The data collection procedure may include events. The events may beautomatically recorded and stored in the server(s) (612 of FIG. 6)during the production period. More specifically, production dataassociated with an unexpected alteration may be tracked in order toobtain events for a wellsite. In another example, a user may manuallyenter the events associated with a wellsite using the interface module(603 of FIG. 6). An event may be a significant occurrence in theoperation of a field. Examples of significant occurrences include, butare not limited to: changes in the level of production, providing ameasurement (e.g., pressure, temperature, volume, etc.), or a confirmeddifficulty in the operation of the field (e.g., power outage, force ofnature, mechanical failure, etc.).

Continuing with the discussion of FIG. 9, production data may becaptured (block 904) from a variety of sources. As discussed withrespect to FIGS. 1 and 6, production data may be generated by sensors(S) at the wellsite or from other sources. The production data may betransferred directly to the data management tool (602 of FIG. 6), ortransferred to the data management tool via at least one of theserver(s) (612 of FIG. 6). The production data is then generallyreceived by the interface module of the data management tool. In somecases, the production data may include actual production data andmaximum production potential associated with a field.

In some cases, the maximum production potential may be obtain from anintegrated asset model. The integrated asset model may link components(e.g., wellbore, reservoir, gathering facility, processing facility) ofa wellsite. For instance, the integrated asset model may model thevarious components of a wellsite such that choke points (e.g.,reservoir, wellbore, surface network, process facility, governmentregulator, product market, etc.) may be identified at the wellsite. Inthis example, a wellsite's maximum production potential may bedetermined based on the choke points identified at the wellsite. Morespecifically, the maximum production potential may be defined as theproduction allowed by the lowest choke point. In some cases, theintegrated asset module may include simulators as described in FIG. 5.The simulators may be configured to perform simulations using theproduction data collected by the interface module (603 of FIG. 6).

Next, the production data may be allocated to the wellsite based onallocation rules (block 906). For instance, allocation rules may specifythat a field's actual production data should be allocated to a wellsitebased on the proportion of the field's estimated production that isassociated with the wellsite. In this case, the allocated portion of theactual production data may be referred to as the derived production dataof the wellsite.

In some cases, the wellsite's estimated production may be determinedbased on a performance curve created from well tests and based onmeasured flowing tubing pressure. In another example, the estimatedproduction may be determined based on actual field measurements.Further, the estimated production of wellsites of a field may beadjusted for other sources (e.g., gas injection, load oil, etc.) andother uses (e.g., flare, lease use, etc.).

The derived production data may be compared to the maximum productionpotential for a wellsite (block 908). More specifically, an actualproduction loss for the wellsite may be determined based on thedifference between the derived production data and the maximumproduction potential of the wellsite.

Next, the actual production loss may be analyzed to determine a cause ofthe actual production loss (block 910). More specifically, the actualproduction loss may be allocated to events defined in block 902. Forinstance, the actual production loss associated with a particular eventmay be calculated as the product of the duration of the event, theproduction rate of the well or an observed loss prorated based on themaximum production potential, and the flow rate impact percentage of theparticular event.

Optionally, the reconciled loss may be overwritten for a measured lossor an estimated loss based on experience or an observation. In thiscase, based on the maximum production potential, the actual productionlosses may be prorated for a group of wells impacted by a singular eventbased on the total loss reconciled to the event.

At this stage, the sum of the actual production loss allocated to theevents may be compared to the actual production loss to determine theportion of actual production loss that can be accounted for by theevents. If a user determines that the actual production loss is notsufficiently accounted for, a user may manually enter additional eventsassociated with the wellsite. In this case, the actual production lossmay be further allocated to the additional events.

Next, an action plan may be generated for adjusting the operation basedon the cause of the actual production loss (block 912). In some cases,output showing the distribution of actual production loss among theevents of the wellsite may be displayed. The user may use the output todetermine cause(s) of the actual production loss for at least one of theevents. An engineering analysis based on a variety of factors (e.g.,trend, frequency, impact, etc.) may be performed on the cause(s) todetermine a root cause of the actual production loss. When a cause isanalyzed, the cause may then be stored as historic loss data that can beused in to diagnose wellsites and/or to generate action plans foradjusting an operation. For instance, historic loss data may be used toperform cost-benefit analysis comparing reduction in actual productionloss to cost of addressing the cause of the actual production loss) inorder to generate an action plan that efficiently allocates assets toidentified causes of the wellsite.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the historic loss data maybe visualized in a variety of forms (e.g., pie charts, bar graphs,Pareto charts, etc.) and grouped based on user-defined criteria (e.g.,business unit, geographical region, cause of failure, etc.) foranalyzing trends associated with a root cause of the actual productionloss.

At this stage, when a root cause is identified, a user may generate anaction plan based on the root cause. For instance, the user may performa cost-benefit analysis of potential action plans to determine theactions necessary to implement the action plan. In this example, anopportunity register action is created to link actual production lossesto opportunities for performance improvement, where the opportunitiesare associated with a cost-benefit analysis and implementation actions,allowing the operator to monitor the opportunities and their impact onoperations.

The method in FIG. 9 are depicted in a specific order. However, it willbe appreciated that portions of the method may be performedsimultaneously or in a different order or sequence.

It wilt be understood from the foregoing description that variousmodifications and changes may be made in one or more embodiments withoutdeparting from its true spirit. For instance, the method may beperformed in a different sequence, and the components provided may beintegrated or separate.

This description is intended for purposes of illustration only andshould not be construed in a limiting sense. The scope of one or moreembodiments should be determined only by the language of the claims thatfollow. The term “comprising” within the claims is intended to mean“including at least” such that the recited listing of elements in aclaim are an open group. “A,” “an” and other singular terms are intendedto include the plural forms thereof unless specifically excluded.

While improving production by actual loss allocation has been describedwith respect to a limited number of embodiments, those skilled in theart, having benefit of this disclosure, will appreciate that otherembodiments can be devised which do not depart from the scope asdisclosed herein. Accordingly, the scope should be limited only by theattached claims.

1. A method for allocating actual production loss of a wellsite,comprising: defining a data collection procedure comprising a pluralityof production events; capturing production data according to the datacollection procedure, the production data comprising actual productiondata and a maximum production potential of the wellsite; selectivelyallocating, by a computer processor, a portion of the actual productiondata to the wellsite based on allocation rules to obtain derivedproduction data; comparing the derived production data to the maximumproduction potential to determine the actual production loss for thewellsite; allocating the actual production loss to at least one of theplurality of production events; and determining a cause of the actualproduction loss based on an engineering analysis of the at least one ofthe plurality of production events.
 2. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: adjusting a production operation based on the actualproduction loss.
 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising:generating an action plan based on the cause of the actual productionloss, wherein the action plan is used to improve production of thewellsite and comprises a cost benefit analysis and implementationactions.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein allocating the actualproduction loss to the at least one of the plurality of productionevents is based on a duration of the at least one of the plurality ofproduction events, the derived production data, a flow rate impactproportion of the at least one of the plurality of production events,and an observed loss prorated based on the maximum production potential.5. The method of claim 1, wherein the maximum production potential isdetermined based on choke points of the wellsite, the choke points beingmodeled by an integrated asset model.
 6. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: performing field simulations based on the derived productiondata.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the allocation rules specifythat the actual production data should be allocated based on anestimated production of the wellsite, the estimated production beingdetermined based on a performance curve and measured flowing tubingpressure, wherein the performance curve is generated from well tests andby proportioning the production or injection by liquids or gases intotality or by components and as mass, energy, or volume units.
 8. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the actual production data is selectivelycaptured on an intraday basis. 9.-17. (canceled)
 18. A non-transitorycomputer readable medium, embodying instructions executable by acomputer to perform a method for allocating production data of awellsite, the instructions comprising functionality to: select aplurality of parameters for a data acquisition model; define a datacollection procedure for the data acquisition model, the data collectionprocedure comprising procedures for communicating with an externalapplication; capture production data in the data acquisition modelaccording to the data collection procedure, the production datacomprising actual production data and a maximum production potential ofthe wellsite; selectively allocate the actual production data to thewellsite according to allocation rules to obtain derived productiondata, at least a portion of the allocation rules defined by the user;compare the derived production data to the maximum production potentialsto determine the actual production loss for the wellsite; and allocatethe actual production loss to at least one of a plurality of productionevents, an engineering analysis being performed based on the allocationof the actual production loss to determine a cause of the actualproduction loss.
 19. The non-transitory computer readable medium ofclaim 18, wherein the external application is a field application forperforming operations at the wellsite.
 20. The non-transitory computerreadable medium of claim 18, wherein the data collection procedurecomprises a plurality of connections, each of the plurality ofconnections being configured to obtain information associated with adifferent component of the wellsite.